Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 05 Aug 2023

Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI)

According to S&P Global, The Services Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) recently reached an impressive 13-year high of 62.3 in July after a three-month low in June. Highlights the sector's resilience and its role in driving economic growth.

PMI is a survey-based measure that provides information about current and future business conditions to company decision-makers, analysts, and investors. It is a survey-based measure
It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is also constructed. The PMI is a number from 0 to 100.
- A PMI above 50 indicates expansion, while a PMI below 50 indicates contraction.
Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka and the UAE emerged as key sources of growth for India's services sector.

Read more: Purchasing Managers Index

Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana

Recently, the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas provided valuable insights into the Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN (Jaiv Indhan- Vatavaran Anukool fasal awashesh Nivaran) Yojana in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.

Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana was launched in March 2019.
- It focuses on integrated bio-ethanol projects for Second Generation (2G) ethanol using lignocellulosic biomass and other renewable feedstocks.
- Total financial allocation: Rs. 1969.50 crore (2018-19 to 2023-24).
Under this scheme the maximum financial assistance of Rs.150 crore per project for commercial projects and Rs.15 crore per project for demonstration projects has been prescribed for enhancing commercial viability, promoting R&D, and adoption of technologies in the field of production of 2G ethanol.
Key states benefiting: Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, Assam, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh.
Steps beyond PM JI-VAN Yojana to Enhance Bio-ethanol: Imposition of additional excise duty on non-blended fuels, Ethanol Purchase Agreements (EPA), diversification of feedstock, separate price for 2G ethanol, reduced GST on ethanol for EBP Programme.

Read more: Pradhan Mantri JI-VAN Yojana

African Gene Variant CHD1L: Shield Against HIV Progression

A recent study published in the journal Nature reveals that certain individuals of African descent carry a unique gene variant, Chromodomain Helicase DNA Binding Protein 1 Like (CHD1L) , that plays a pivotal role in moderating the progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

This variant of the CHD1L gene is exclusively found in the African population and has been linked to reduced viral loads of the most virulent strain of HIV, HIV-1.
- The gene's function involves coding for proteins that facilitate DNA damage repair.
Consequently, their potential to transmit the virus is diminished, and the advancement of their own illness is decelerated.
While 4% to 13% of individuals of African origin might carry this gene variant, the mechanisms by which it influences viral load are not yet fully understood.

Read more: Human immunodeficiency virus

MASI: Revolutionizing Child Care Institution Oversight

Recently, the Ministry of Women and Child Development provided valuable insights into the MASI Portal during a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has introduced an application named 'MASI' - Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection.
Developed to enhance the real-time monitoring of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) and their inspection processes across India, this app has emerged from the need to effectively manage inspections mandated by the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015.
It allows unified inspections by various authorities, including Child Welfare Committees (CWCs), State Inspection Committees, Juvenile Justice Boards (JJBs), and State Commissions for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCRs).